Lake Ashi Tokyo
Sail across the scenic Lake Ashi on a pirate ship, with iconic views of Mt. Fuji and volcanic landscapes in Hakone.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best chance for Fuji views
Lake Ashi Tokyo
Best Time
Best chance for Fuji views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Sail across the scenic Lake Ashi on a pirate ship, with iconic views of Mt. Fuji and volcanic landscapes in Hakone.
"The Hakone Pirate Ship Cruise on Lake Ashi is one of the most romantic pirate-themed rides in the world."
✅ Get the Hakone Free Pass
Covers most transport, including the pirate ship & ropeway. Essential for exploring! 🎟️
☁️ Fuji Views are Unpredictable
Clear mornings offer the best chance. Don't be discouraged if it's cloudy! ☁️
Quick Facts
Rating
4.4 · 1,505 reviews
Type
Lake
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hakone Pirate Ship Cruise
Lake Ashi
Sail across the scenic Lake Ashi on a unique pirate-themed ship, enjoying stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Mount Fuji Views
Various viewpoints around Hakone
Catch breathtaking glimpses of the iconic Mount Fuji, especially on clear mornings from viewpoints like the Hakone Ropeway.
Hakone Ropeway
Owakudani Valley
Ascend over the volcanic Owakudani Valley, experiencing sulfurous hot springs and panoramic vistas.
Hakone Shrine
Lake Ashi shoreline
Visit the serene Hakone Shrine with its iconic red torii gate standing majestically in Lake Ashi.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Hakone Free Pass is Your Best Friend
Timing is Key for Fuji Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
✅ Get the Hakone Free Pass
Covers most transport, including the pirate ship & ropeway. Essential for exploring! 🎟️
☁️ Fuji Views are Unpredictable
Clear mornings offer the best chance. Don't be discouraged if it's cloudy! ☁️
🚢 Ride the Pirate Ship
A fun and scenic way to see Lake Ashi. Great photo ops!
🚶♀️ Explore Owakudani
Experience the volcanic activity via the Hakone Ropeway. 🌋
Tips
from all over the internet
✅ Get the Hakone Free Pass
Covers most transport, including the pirate ship & ropeway. Essential for exploring! 🎟️
☁️ Fuji Views are Unpredictable
Clear mornings offer the best chance. Don't be discouraged if it's cloudy! ☁️
🚢 Ride the Pirate Ship
A fun and scenic way to see Lake Ashi. Great photo ops!
🚶♀️ Explore Owakudani
Experience the volcanic activity via the Hakone Ropeway. 🌋
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring different modes of transport. :athletic_shoe:
📱 Hakone Digital Pass
Requires one phone per person, not ideal for families with young kids. :iphone:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Lake Ashi and the surrounding Hakone area for its stunning natural beauty, iconic views of Mount Fuji, and the unique pirate ship cruise. The Hakone Free Pass is highly recommended for seamless exploration. Some find the weather unpredictable for Fuji sightings, and the digital pass can be inconvenient for families.
"I visited Togendai Station to take the Lake Ashi Cruise, and it was a very good experience. The station is clean, easy to navigate, and well-managed. It is also connected to the ropeway, which makes travel very convenient.
The Lake Ashi Cruise was beautiful and peaceful. The views of the lake, mountains, and surrounding nature were excellent. On a clear day, you can even see Mt. Fuji from the cruise. The ship is comfortable, and the staff are polite and helpful.
Overall, it is a very smooth and enjoyable experience. I highly recommend the Togendai Station and Lake Ashi Cruise for anyone visiting Hakone."
Sajjan Kumar Gupta
"I think it is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. I wish we could stay longer. So serene and beautiful, in a cloudy and even a bit rainy day. The surroundings are surprisingly not clean but it doesn’t ruin the experience."
Dana Bashi
"The lake is known for its views of Mount Fuji, its numerous hot springs, historical sites,However, i might visit at the wrong timimg so there is nothing special. Surrounded by mountains and trees ,also a few buildings along the shore. If you visit Hakone, you can take a 30-minute boat cruise excursion from the port at Hakone Sekisho-ato Port or the Moto-hakone Port."
Simon Wong
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way is to take a train from Tokyo to Odawara Station, then transfer to the Hakone Tozan Bus towards Moto-Hakone or Hakone-machi. The Hakone Free Pass covers this journey. +1
Yes, Lake Ashi and the wider Hakone area can be visited as a day trip from Tokyo, though an overnight stay allows for a more relaxed experience. +1
The Hakone Free Pass is highly recommended as it covers various modes of transport including buses, trains, the Hakone Ropeway, and the pirate ship cruise.
The Romance Car (Odakyu limited express train) takes you to Hakone-Yumoto Station. From there, you'll need to use local buses or trains to reach Lake Ashi.
Some hotels in Hakone offer shuttle bus services from Odawara Station, which can be a convenient option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Access to Lake Ashi itself is free. However, you'll need tickets or a pass for activities like the pirate ship cruise and the Hakone Ropeway. The Hakone Free Pass covers these.
You can purchase the Hakone Free Pass online (e.g., Klook), at Odakyu Sightseeing Service Center in Shinjuku, or at Odawara Station. +1
The pirate ship cruise operates daily, but hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Hakone Navi website for the most up-to-date schedule.
Hakone Shrine is free to enter and explore. The iconic torii gate in the water is a popular spot for photos.
The Hakone Digital Pass is an electronic version of the Hakone Free Pass, but it requires one phone per person and may not be suitable for families with children.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy a scenic pirate ship cruise, visit the Hakone Shrine, hike along the lake's edge, or simply relax and take in the views.
The Hakone Ropeway, particularly from Owakudani, and the shores of Lake Ashi offer good chances to see Mount Fuji, weather permitting.
Yes, there are hiking trails around Lake Ashi, offering beautiful natural scenery. Some visitors rent e-bikes to explore the trails.
Owakudani is an active volcanic valley with hot springs and sulfurous fumes. The Hakone Ropeway provides access and stunning views.
Yes, the pirate ship cruise and the scenic beauty make it enjoyable for families. However, the digital pass might be inconvenient for families with young children.
📸 📸 Photography
The Hakone Shrine's torii gate in the water is a must-capture shot. The pirate ship itself and panoramic views from the Hakone Ropeway are also popular.
Early mornings often provide softer light and fewer crowds. Golden hour in the late afternoon can also be magical, especially with reflections on the lake.
Yes, on clear days, Mount Fuji is visible from Lake Ashi, offering a stunning backdrop for your photos.
Drone usage is generally restricted in national parks and around sensitive natural areas like Lake Ashi to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Always check local regulations.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes and the torii gate. A telephoto lens can be useful for capturing distant Mount Fuji. A polarizing filter can enhance sky and water colors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit